Today, the world is celebrating the World Mental Health Day which on the 10th of October every year. This day comes to remind the world with the importance of mental health and to raise awareness towards mental health issues around the world in addition to promoting the efforts to provide mental health services for all people, wherever they are.
As stated by the International Federation of Mental Health, the theme of this year is “Psychological First Aid”. The goal of this theme is to draw attention on the need to help victims who experience crises and to provide them with support in the proper time and manner.
This occasion comes while Palestine in general and Gaza Strip in particular suffer from continuous deterioration of the political and humanitarian situation. The Israeli occupation continues its practices, violations, and tightening the siege on Gaza. All such measures increase the rate of poverty and unemployment and restrict the freedom of movement that lead to several forms of psychological distress, family problems, and community violence. These difficult circumstances affect the vulnerable groups especially women, children, and victims who bereaved their loved ones or their homes.
The last Israeli attacks had severe psychological impacts on the Palestinian residents in the Gaza Strip. Based on GCMHP’s experience, clinical observations and research results, it is indicated that 30 % of the total residents suffered from PTSD and 10 % still need advanced psychological interventions.
GCMHP has set up a systematic intervention plan after the last three attacks on Gaza and in particular after the 2014 offensive. During the nine months after the war Many mobile teams were formed, they conducted 4300 home visits to all Gaza strip’s affected areas, giving the priority to martyrs families, injured and to those whose houses were destroyed either totally or partially. This intervention was conducted in coordination with Human Right organizations. During those community visits, services were provided to 22,000 beneficiaries. Of those who benefited, around 13,000 were direct beneficiaries. More than 1400 cases were also referred to receive specialized mental health services in GCMHP’s community centers, 46 % of the cases were children. This work was accompanied with several complimentary activities such as outreach community education programs, media activities, in addition to conducting training on issues related to mental health, community work, education, women, children and human rights. Furthermore, training on psychological first aid and stress management was also provided for around 560 male and female professionals working in Community Based Organizations. This experience is considered of most significance to be prepared for any crises in the future.
On this occasion, GCMHP emphasizes the importance and necessity of the preparedness of the Palestinian community to any future crises in addition to keeping the state of readiness among workers in the field in order to provide psychological first aid as needed. GCMHP stresses on the importance of protecting the Palestinian people from any future aggression and on the importance of obligating Israel to respect human rights and the conditions of the International Law during wars, as stipulated in the Geneva Convention. GCMHP also stresses on the importance of lifting the imposed siege on Gaza as it has a negative impact on the psychological wellbeing of Gaza residents.
The International Community must take its responsibility to ensure providing adequate psycho-social services, not only during the crises, but also afterwards. According to a study conducted by GCMHP in 2013, the psychological impact of the crises continued to be observed in the long run, even after the end of traumatic events.
Finally, GCMHP emphasizes that sound mental health can't be achieved without living in dignity and respect for human rights, including the right of freedom, ending the occupation, dignified living, and the right to receive all possible psychological support timely in the adequate manner.